While the efficiency of your duct system may not be the first thing that comes to mind when improving your home comfort, it can make a significant impact. The ductwork in your home can contribute to your home air quality and safety as well, so it’s important to make sure that your ducts are in good condition.
The ductwork in your house is a specially designed system made to distribute conditioned air to all the rooms in your home. An efficient, up to date system will do this safely and while minimizing any conditioned air loss through leaks. Duct systems with leaks or other issues can cause high electric bills and other problems, so keeping your ductwork in good condition should be a high priority.
Efficient ductwork has a significant impact on your comfort inside your home. This is because your duct system affects both the temperature in your home, and the air quality as well. During months that often see extreme temperatures, such as our Central Texas summers, having ducts ducts that leak air, either due to age or improper sealing, will lead to conditioned air not reaching all the rooms of your home. This makes keeping cool air in these rooms difficult. Additionally, ducts that need to be sealed can pick up dust and other pollutants and end up spreading them throughout your home.
While leaking ductwork can be a nuisance that raises your electric bill and makes your HVAC work over time, in some cases it can also be a safety hazard. Leaking ducts can potentially cause backdrafting. Backdrafting occurs when household gases, such as carbon monoxide from your clothes dryer, that are normally vented out of your home are drawn inside instead. Making sure that your duct system is in good condition and properly sealed can prevent dangerous backdrafting from happening. How do you find out if your ducts need repair? Keep reading below.
If you aren’t sure how your duct system is performing, never hesitate to contact an HVAC professional. HVAC technicians can accurately assess your system and provide swift repairs if necessary.
You can also do you own quick visual inspection of your home ductwork. Take a look at any visible ducts and look for any gaps or small holes where air could be escaping. Pay close attention to vents wherever they meet a wall or ceiling to see if the edges appear sealed. Also be sure to check for any flex ducts that have a squashed appearance or a tear.
When you notice a problem with your duct system, it’s best to call a professional to repair it as soon as possible. This will ensure that repairs are made cleanly and correctly. Professional HVAC technicians will also be able to inspect the entirety of your system, including attics and crawlspaces that may be difficult for homeowners to access themselves.
Concerned about your duct system and need to speak to an expert? Call the San Marcos AC repair professionals at AirOne Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment or speak to a technician.